Read Online Truth Or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz - Free Book Online

you’re paying,” Robyn said primly. “I just collect the rent. The money goes to the owners of the Casa de Oro.”
    With a supreme effort of will Zoe managed to resist the urge to pick Robyn up by her pointy little ears and toss her into the trash bin out back.
    “I am not an idiot,” she said, instead. “I am well aware that a couple by the name of Shipley owns this place. But in the entire time that I have been here they have never once, as far as I know, paid a visit.
    They have invested nothing in the property. There have been no improvements, whatsoever. The Shipleys do not deserve a hundred and fifty bucks more a month and you can tell them that I said so.”
    “The Shipleys have a number of rental properties in the Phoenix area. They are far too busy to oversee each one personally. But I have had several conversations with them regarding our needs here at Casa de Oro, and I assure you that they are very receptive to my plans for this apartment complex.”
    “I insist that you contact the Shipleys, wherever they are—”
    “They live in Scottsdale,” Robyn said, ever helpful.
    “Fine. Contact them in Scottsdale and make it clear to them that Ethan and I are a married couple, not roommates. Remind them that I have been an excellent tenant for more than a year.”
    Robyn cleared her throat. “Well, not exactly.”
    “ What? How dare you imply that I have been anything less than an ideal tenant.”
    “I was going through the files the other day and I noticed that there was an incident in your apartment Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    last month that resulted in police being summoned to Casa de Oro.”
    “That was not my fault. I was the innocent victim of an attempted kidnapping.”
    Robyn tut-tutted sympathetically. “Yes, I read about it in the Whispering Springs Herald . It must have been a terrible experience for you.”
    “It was.”
    “When I discussed it with Mr. and Mrs. Shipley, they felt that it was something of a red flag, however.”
    An ominous feeling descended on Zoe. “Red flag?” she repeated very carefully.
    “The Shipleys expressed some concerns regarding Mr. Truax’s profession.”
    “Concerns.”
    “They are worried that the nature of his profession might tend to encourage other such incidents, if you see what I mean.”
    “No, I do not see what you mean.” Zoe struggled to keep her voice under control. “My husband’s business had nothing to do with that incident , as you call it. It was a personal matter involving me.
    Explain that to Mr. and Mrs. Shipley.”
    Robyn stiffened. “Are you saying that there is something about you that might attract more criminal activity to this property?”
    “No, I am not saying that. The earlier issue was resolved. There won’t be any more problems. Make sure the Shipleys understand that. Make certain they also understand that I refuse to pay extra rent simply because I got married.”
    “I’ll talk to them.”
    “You do that.”
    “Really, there is no need to lose your temper with me, Mrs. Truax. It is my duty to enforce the rules.”
    “Yeah, right.” Zoe dug her keys out of her purse and, for the second time that morning, started toward the lobby door. “All I know is that the former resident manager was a lot more flexible.”
    “His excessive flexibility is the reason he is the former resident manager.” Robyn lowered her voice to a confidential tone. “The Shipleys implied that he had a drinking problem.”
    That probably explained a few things, Zoe thought, such as why the Casa de Oro had always looked so down at the heels. Maybe there was something to be said for the rules-are-rules type.
    But she was in no mood to admit that to Pixie Ears.
    She went outside and got into her car.

    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    She was still fuming an hour later when Tabitha Pine, flamboyantly ethereal in a dress that looked as if it had